
Always Upbeat
Our Newest Product has launched!
After months of isolation and reduced activities, we are all craving new ways to engage and have fun. Always Upbeat provides endless opportunities to make music together, while adhering to social distancing guidelines. It’s a sure way for small groups to feel energized and stimulated.
What We Do
Create, relate and connect through the power of music.
Musical interaction encourages social bonding and strengthens relationships. That’s what Calypso Connections is all about — team building at its very best — team building as a natural outcome of a creative process.
Here at Calypso, we offer fun, musical workshops using steel pans as the core instrument. Whether you are looking for a musical team building event for 5 or 100 people, a one-hour session or full-day immersion, we can customize a program that will leverage your group’s unique talents. Give people a chance to tap on some pans together, and you are well on your way to creating a positive, high-commitment culture. Participants will share laughs, feel engaged and experience the joy of learning something new together.
Who Can Benefit
from Calypso workshops
Our clients include companies, executive teams, retirement communities and nonprofits. If you are planning any of the following, then Calypso Connections can help support your goals:
★ team building event ★ fun breakout session ★ corporate retreat ★ wellness activity ★ conference opener ★ personal development workshop ★ motivational lecture ★
Contact us and together we can design a program that fits your needs.
Choose from the following options:
Steel Band Popup
5-18 people / Our signature steel drum event.
Tap Tap Tap
5-100 people / Uses the steel drums & boomwhackers.
Engine Room
5-50 people / An improv session using drums and hand percussion.
The Steel Drum: Symbol of Resilience
Any Size Group / Lecture/interactive / Demonstration
Our Current Workshops
Workshop Descriptions
Steel Band Popup
5-16 People
- Our signature team building event - interactive and highly engaging.
- This can be 1-3 hours in length.
Tap Tap Tap
5-100 People
- Uses the steel drums & boomwhackers for a collaborative music-making experience.
- This event lasts 20 – 35 minutes.
Engine Room
5-50 People
- A team building improv session using drums and hand percussion .
- This workshop can last 30 – 55 minutes.
Symbol of Resilience
Any Size Group
- Lecture / Interactive Demonstration
- This is a 50-60 minute presentation.
The Calypso Team
The People Behind Calypso Connections

Jen Cohen
Director

Jen Cohen
Director
Jen Cohen (B.F.A. SUNY Purchase, M.Ed. University of Vermont) is a classically trained pianist and violist. During her 30 years experience as a performer and educator she has seen firsthand how the transformative power of collaborative music making can be used to achieve outstanding results.
Jen started Calypso Connections as a way to bring this transformative experience into the workplace. She chose steel drums because they are easy to play -- absolutely no experience is necessary -- and their sound is relaxing and inviting, like a tropical breeze.
Under Jen's guidance, Calypso participants experience creativity, joy, and camaraderie. Moreover, the parallels between successful music- making and effective business practice reveal themselves throughout the process, paving the way for genuine team building and innovation.

Meredith Holch
Animator

Meredith Holch
Animator
Meredith Holch is a director, animator, videographer and editor. In addition to her client-based work for small businesses and non-profits, her animation has been broadcast on PBS and has screened at the Museum of Modern Art, (MoMA) NYC, the National Art Gallery, DC, the Exploratorium, S.F., the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), Boston, as well as at international film festivals, art galleries, and community spaces such as the walls of endangered community gardens and the sides of old barns in northern Vermont.

Barry Cohen
Calypso Workshop Developer

Barry Cohen
Calypso Workshop Developer
Barry Cohen is uniquely qualified to design methodology for improving processes in the workplace. In both of his professions – a freelance court reporter and a bassoonist – he has become an expert in the art of listening. Barry has designed activities to practice and improve listening skills. This will help team members as they play music together. More importantly, it will help them as they work together to frame issues quickly, agree on a game plan, and move the process forward in their work environment.
Testimonials
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT CALYPSO
Cheryl ScarzelloDirector of Finance, Addison Rutland Supervisory Union“Playing steel drums was great fun, and it was so great for us to connect in a different and meaningful way. Thanks for making our retreat special.”
Gina KelleyDirector of Human Performance, VELCO“Calypso Steel Drumming is a benefit, and I think when we offer a few of these unique benefits, that people appreciate that and then they go back to work in an environment that they feel good about.”
Susan McCoyHealthcare Provider“Thanks for all your hard work with us, Jennifer. I really appreciate your patience, your enthusiasm, your skillful direction, and your sense of humor.”
Carol BakerFine Arts Director, Rutland City Schools“ 'We love it; it’s so cool' is how students reacted to Jen’s steel drum classes. Kids are still talking about it, several months later. The residency was popular, kept the students engaged, and worth every penny."
Contact Calypso Connections
802.558.4323 / jen@calypsoconnections.com / 3 Piedmont Drive, Rutland, VT 05701